What makes The Upper West Side a great place to live?
The architecture and housing stock are top-notch. We have easy access to both Riverside and Central Parks, great subway access, and two world-renowned cultural institutions (Lincoln Center and The Museum of Natural History). Plus the neighborhood is quiet and friendly yet close to all the action.
What are some trends in real estate you have noticed in the neighborhood?
Prices are up and inventory is down. Large apartments are definitely in demand. We are seeing a lot of new development, and many great new restaurants and businesses are appearing in the area.
How is rental and sales pricing compared to last year?
Prices are up compared to last year. We notice that well-priced apartments move very quickly.
What current neighborhood listings do you feel are most noteworthy?
Moby’s four story penthouse at The Eldorado is still available…. For only $4.95 million! As for new developments, The Ashley in Riverside South is a beautiful building with amazing amenities that getting a lot of attention. The Corner is another noteworthy new building that’s doing well.
What’s the housing stock like? Do most people live in walk-ups, townhomes, doorman buildings, etc?
There a good mix of all categories, but we would say the majority of our listings are pre-war walk-ups… There are beautiful brownstones on the side streets, and larger buildings and hi-rises on the avenues. Full service buildings command a higher premium than in other neighborhoods due to their relative scarcity.
Where do neighborhood residents go to relax?
Central Park is the obvious answer. But the Riverside Boat Basin is also a great place to relax. The many bars and cafes on Amsterdam Ave. are also popular. It’s also nice to stroll around The Shops at Columbus Circle at the Time Warner Center on a rainy day.
How would you describe the “vibe” of the neighborhood?
Relaxed, friendly, professional, increasingly young and hip, but still sophisticated.
What are your favorite bars/restaurants in the area?
Café Luxembourg, Isabella’s, Gennaro’s, The Edgar Allen Poe Café, Five Napkin Burger, Carmine’s, H&H Bagels, Fatty Crab, Alice’s Tea Cup, Wine & Roses. For a quick bite, you can’t beat a falafel at The Jerusalem Café… Shake Shack is great if you don’t mind a wait, and the Amsterdam Ale House is a great place to grab a beer. For dessert, stop by the Levain Bakery on West 74th.
What are some neighborhood landmarks/institutions?
The Ansonia Building (famous from the movie “Single White Female”), The Dakota, Strawberry Fields, Lincoln Center, Time Warner Center, Columbia University, The Museum of Natural History, the book vendors @ 73rd St., Fairway and Zabar’s!
What do you feel is a hidden gem in the neighborhood? (Ex. a store, resident, park, etc)
The Riverside Park Esplanade at 91st Street is beautiful. A really cool area is the low 100s West of Broadway…. It feels like the Village.
If you could change one thing about the Upper West Side, what would it be?
More inexpensive ethnic restaurants and unique independent businesses, less Duane Reades and chain stores… Another gripe, the sidewalks could be cleaner, and dog owners could be more considerate.
Where do you see this neighborhood 10 years from now?
We expect the area to be even more attractive than it is now! Cheap walk-ups will be renovated as older residents move on, and the pockets of non-wealth will fade away. Generally we think the neighborhood will get more affluent and diverse.
